Handling the aftermath of an auto accident can be difficult and overwhelming, especially with emotions skyrocketing and car accident injuries present. We want to help make the transition back to your normal life easier, so we’ve created a list of actions to help guide you through the next couple of days following the auto accident.
Here are 6 things you should do if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident.
1. Move to safety
If it is possible to move your vehicle, make sure to move to an area where you will be out of additional harm’s way. If your vehicle cannot be moved, put your hazard lights on so that everyone knows you will not be moving out of the way anytime soon. Even if it is not possible to move your vehicle, you should walk to a safe area if serious car accident injuries have not been sustained.
Take a moment to breathe and check that you and any passengers in the vehicle are okay.
2. Seek medical attention
If you or a passenger is injured or in pain, seek medical care. If someone has back or neck pain or is unconscious, do not try to move them unless it is necessary to avoid further or worse injury. Call an ambulance so that qualified medical help can remove and transport the individual to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Even if you think your pain or injuries are minimal, it is important to get evaluated by a medical professional since seemingly minor car accident injuries can be serious.
3. Call the police and file an accident report
If the car accident has resulted in property damage, physical injury, or fatality, call the police. Once the police have arrived at the scene, request that an accident report be filled out. You should also document the name(s) and badge number(s) of the responding officer(s).
4. Collect as much information as possible
Try to obtain as much information from the accident scene, including:
- The name, phone number, address, license plate number, drivers’ license number, and insurance information of the driver(s) involved.
- The make and model of the vehicle(s) involved.
- Contact information of any witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- The location of the accident.
- The name and badge number of the police officer(s) at service.
- Pictures of the accident scene.
5. Report the auto accident to your insurance company
Call your insurance company and inform them that you have been in an accident. Report the extent of your injuries to your insurance company as well.
Before you accept the offer made to you by your insurance company, confirm that all your injuries have been resolved. If you accept an offer before your injuries have been completely resolved, any treatment you may need in the future will not be compensated for.
6. Keep a record of your medical treatment
Keep track of all medical professionals that you have visited and/or received treatment from, which may include Miami accident doctors, car accident chiropractors in Miami, or physical therapists. Record the details of the treatments you have received and the medications you may have been prescribed. You should also request copies of all medical reports as well as medical bills. These documents will need to be kept as proof of your medical expenses to your insurance company.
You should also keep track of smaller details, such as how your daily life has been impacted from the injuries sustained. Make sure to note of any days you had to miss from work or school due to the injuries as well as any daily activities you can no longer do. This will help to prove your pain and suffering which may also be compensated.
We know that a car accident can easily leave anyone stressed and confused, but we hope that these steps might help to reduce unnecessary worries and get you back to your normal routine quickly. Following this guide after a car accident will prepare you for the aftermath and help you focus on your physical health and recovery while getting the legal work done.
Icon Medical Centers is a car accident clinic in Miami that is dedicated and specialized in treating those that have sustained serious or common car accident injuries in Miami and Hollywood, Florida. If you have been injured in a car crash, contact our Miami car accident injury clinic today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our accident doctors in Miami or Miami accident chiropractors.